Fleets need to drill down into fuel data to minimise ongoing price increases, says FleetCheck

Perhaps the single most important point was to look at the miles per gallon (MPG) being achieved by individual drivers, he said, which could sometimes differ by double figures.

“Driving style is generally the single biggest determinant of the amount of fuel used. The difference between the best and worst performing drivers in similar vehicles on similar roads is sometimes remarkably high.

“Of course, there can be extenuating circumstances such as the routes being covered and the payload carried, but tracking MPGs can identify those with the heaviest right feet. Subsequent training and other targeted measures can often be remarkably effective.

“The same principle applies to vehicles. It is not unknown for individual cars and vans to use an obviously disproportionate amount of fuel and subsequently uncover a mechanical issue.”

Barrie said analysis of data could also help to highlight cases where employees are tempted by rising prices to steal fuel, either by purchasing additional amounts or syphoning it from their company vehicles.

“To detect this, it is essential that distances covered and MPGs are accurately recorded and assessed – something that can be done easily by analysing your fuel data. Any sudden drop in fuel economy can be a cause for suspicion.

“Effective deterrence can be as simple as letting drivers know you are scrutinising fuel expenditure and mileage, and any significant fuel theft will result in not just dismissal but the police will also be notified.”

Barrie said the rising price of fuel remained a major concern from fleets and was sometimes placing them under extreme budgetary pressure.

“The arrival of the £2 litre of diesel is a deeply unwelcome development, and we are talking to our users regularly about best practice ideas around data and software that can help them contain petrol and diesel expenditure.”

About FleetCheck

Established in 2006 and based in Kemble, Gloucestershire, FleetCheck is one of the UK’s leading fleet software and management specialists, with a customer base of more than 2,000 customers operating in excess of 270,000 vehicles and assets. Its range of products, which are designed with an accent on ease of use and effectiveness, include the core FleetCheck fleet management software system, FleetCheck Licence Assured, FleetCheck Technician, and the FleetCheck Driver inspection app. The company also offers a wide range of affinity services designed to support fleet operational needs.

More details can be found at fleetcheck.co.uk.